Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Quay Street Flood Alleviation Phase 1, Gloucester

In April 2008, ARCUS were commissioned by Severn Trent Water to undertake a desk- based assessment of the course of Phase 1 of the proposed Quay Street Flood Alleviation project, Gloucester (SO 8272 1897 to SO 8207 1807 to SO 8157 1884). The assessment included a site visit, along with documentary and cartographic research. The intended works run through an area containing archaeological features and find- spots from the prehistoric period to the 19th century. However, the proposed tunnel and pipeline routes avoid the majority of the identified sites and, with the exception of the access points, the depth of excavation along the tunnel routes precludes the impacting upon any known archaeological deposits. This will also be the case should the directional drilling option be chosen for the construction of the rising main. However, previously unknown archaeological deposits cannot be ruled, particularly where the works run through areas of undeveloped land which are likely to have suffered minimal modern disturbance. Mitigation proposals considering directional drilling and open cut options have been outlined for specific sites along the route.